Inside the house I find everyone in. The guys are watching a boxing match, and Sam is busy with her cellphone and ice cream in a huge cocktail glass.

On the table lie some empty beer cans and two boxes of family-size pizza. I can smell the garlic and cheese, and it turns on my stomach a bit.

However, my mood disagrees with it.

"Hi," I greet casually.

"Hi, Professor." Malik grins. "I thought you'd be home a little late."

Me, too.

"Well, you thought wrong, Malik. Here I am," I return exhaustedly, and Jamal stares at me with a knowing smile.

I flush. I think Jamal knows my little...